Rock-a-by-doll

Writers: Eimi, Paula
Date Posted: 24th March 2006

Characters: Corowal, Theyzen
Description: Corowal goes to see Theyzen about doll-cradle for his daughter.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 11, day 4 of Turn 3

"You're the woodsmith, right?" Corowal asked from the young man in the workshop. It was fairly safe assumption since he was wearing woodsmith's knots and was working with wood.

"Yes sir," Theyzen said as he looked up from the chair seat he was sanding.

"I'm Corowal, the new steward. I have couple of little jobs for you," Corowal flashed a friendly grin. "Oh, of course, sir," the woodsmith smiled as he set the chair seat aside. "How can I help you?"

"Well, some chairs in my office are sort of rickety. I think they need fixing. And, could you make a pretty cradle, doll-size, for my daughter?" "I could do that sir. The chairs I can take from the Hold's account. The cradle of course must be billed to you," he studied the man's face to be sure he understood it was not personal.

"Of course I pay for it. It's going to be gift to her," Corowal said. "She's been begging it the last half turn, ever since she saw her friend got one as a birthday present." "I can surely make one for you," the woodsmith nodded. "In fact, I can use the same plans I used when I made my son's cradle if you like. It even rocks."

"Wow, that should please her. If it isn't' too much trouble, could you decorate it? Some carvings or such?" Corowal asked. "Anything in particular?" Theyzen asked as he reached for a spare piece of hide. "Something pretty and girly," Corowal said rather vaguely.
"Like flowers. I'm not good at this stuff." He rolled his eyes. "Maybe a line of ivy along the foot and head boards?" Theyzen suggested as he made rough sketch on the hide. "Something like this?"

"Looks good. It's for the doll, so don't see too much trouble," Corowal said with a grin. "I'll try not to get carried away," the journeyman grinned.

"You seem to know your craft. I'm almost tempted to ask you to make a cradle for the baby my wife is expecting, except we already have one. I believe she intended to bring it from Coral Bay with her." The woodsmith chuckled. "Well, if she cannot, just let me know. I can make matching cradles."

"Well, that has to wait until her ship arrives. Poor Ofelia, I had to left her to pack and watch for four energetic children. I wonder how she is coping," Corowal's concern over his wife was genuine. The children could wear down anybody. "I can only imagine," Theyzen said with a shake of his head. "We only have the one. So far."

"Oh? Boy or girl? How old?" Corowal asked curiously. "A boy. He's six months old now."

"So young!" Corowal exclaimed. "Congratulations. Let's see, I have four, three boys and one girl. Corofel is ten, Ofewal eight, Corolia is five and little Felcoron is already two turns old." "And another on the way?" Theyzen smiled. "I can't wait until we have another one."

"Well, I'm sure you will have, in time. The women need a bit pause between babies, you know," Corowal grinned. "Yes, I know," Theyzen said with a small smile. He remembered the months of waiting after Thevan was born before he even tried to touch his wife again. But shards it had been hard. "When it happens, it happens."

"Yeah," Corowal said thoughtfully. He was remembering the baby Ofelia had lost.

Last updated on the March 24th 2006

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Rock-a-by-doll